Otago assume control over Auckland

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Auckland's middle-order fightback caused some frustration, but Otago batted themselves into a strong position heading into the second day of the Plunket Shield match in Dunedin.

Otago are running second in the Plunket Shield behind Central Districts, with four wins and three draws from their eight starts. Auckland trail the competition after just two wins.

After winning the toss and opting to bat yesterday, Auckland found themselves in trouble at University Oval, stumbling to 56 for five after left-arm fast bowler Neil Wagner wiped the top off the battling lineup.

Dusan Hakaraia and Anaru Kitchen combined for an 83-run stand for the sixth wicket, but when Sam Wells claimed the wickets of both Kitchen and Bruce Martin, Auckland quickly folded for a modest 221. Wagner returned to clean up the tail and claim figures of five for 54 before Otago made a brisk start to their run chase.

Aaron Redmond's half-century was raised in just over an hour and from only 51 balls, before he was dismissed for 72. Otago ended the day on 118 for two.